Bentwood Bowl Item Number: 3260/38 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Square, kerfed, steamed bentwood bowl: hardwood sides, red-cedar base, sinew stitching. Rim inset with operculum shells, originally four to each side (one missing). Outer surface carved with animal imagery.
History Of Use
This small dish held oolichan oil or grease and is now saturated with food oils. It is defined as a food bowl or dish because of its use and its undulating rim.
Iconographic Meaning
Carved imagery holds elements of animal representations but not the whole: several sets of eyes, ears, and mouths with teeth; some components right-side up, others seemingly upside down. Imagery could have been meant to be ambiguous for its intended holder or meant to display the owner’s crest. The bowl and the supernatural/animal being are one, speaking metaphorically of the connections between family, history, and the creatures of the land. Also represents the power and artistry of feast vessels.
Specific Techniques
Made with a steam-bending technique and embellished with both carved imagery and operculum shells.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada between 1800 and 1850
- Owned by Elspeth McConnell before August 12, 2017
- Received from Elspeth McConnell (Donor) on August 12, 2017
What
- Name
- Bentwood Bowl
- Identification Number
- 3260/38
- Type of Item
- bowl
- Material
- wood, red cedar wood, operculum shell and sinew
- Overall
- height 10.6 cm, width 16.0 cm, depth 14.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Tsimshian
- Previous Owner
- Elspeth McConnell
- Received from
- Elspeth McConnell (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- between 1800 and 1850
- Ownership Date
- before August 12, 2017
- Acquisition Date
- on August 12, 2017
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 3260/0038